Meet Veronica, our new Practicum Student!

Hello! My name is Veronica. I am Dënesųłiné from Lutsel K’e which is located in the east arm of the Great Slave Lake. I am a mother of three amazing children! I am also in my second year of social work. I love to drink coffee and meeting new people! I also enjoy reading books, and going for long walks. I am looking forward to working with women from all walks of life, and learning from the women I meet at the Women’s Centre.

What is your personal definition of feminism?

I believe that all people deserve to be treated equally and with respect no matter where they are in life.

What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?

I love the idea of creating a ‘women’s only’ space; a safe place to share and connect with each other. I appreciate the Women’s Centre inclusive environment and ability to create a sense of community for all women who walk through the doors. I believe in the idea of women helping each other without judgment and feel the Women Centre’s work is parallel to my own values and beliefs as an Indigenous woman.

What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?

I hope to learn and hear the stories of the women in Calgary. By learning about the issues the women of Calgary are facing can help me to work towards helping women achieve their goals and working towards overcoming any barriers.

Describe a woman who has influenced your life.

My greatest influences within my life were my grandmothers; Vicky Desjarlais and Madeline Marlowe. These women were both very strong and hardworking women. Each woman shared stories of their early days of living on the land in the north, while raising a family. Both my grandmothers were very loving and giving. In hearing the stories, my life lessons were being taught to me as a young girl. These teachings I carry with me and am currently passing on to my daughter.